Zawieja's pursuit of the truth takes her to a prison in Goleniów , where she investigates Wróbel’s past to find clues about his current whereabouts.

Episode 4 serves as a critical turning point for the investigation:

The series features strong performances from Bartłomiej Kotschedoff as Zawieja's partner, Trepa, and Juliusz Chrząstowski as Bogdan.

The police launch an intensive search for Wróbel, a patient of the murder victim who becomes a central person of interest.

While managing the professional pressures of the case, Zawieja continues to struggle with the emotional weight of her own husband's "suicide," which remains a nagging mystery in the background of her daily life. Why "The Thaw" Stands Out

Episode 4 is widely regarded as one of the top-rated chapters, masterfully building the "puzzle" that leads toward the season's intense conclusion. Watch The Thaw | Season 1 Episode 4 - HBO Max

Diving Into the Mystery: "The Thaw" ( Odwilż ) Season 1, Episode 4

Critics and viewers alike have praised the show for its aesthetic. The cinematography often utilizes a grey-blue color palette to match the biting cold of the Polish winter, drawing comparisons to other mood-driven hits like True Detective: Night Country .